South Carolina’s legendary coach Dawn Staley has ignited a firestorm in women’s basketball, calling on Black athletes to “protect Angel Reese at all costs” following a controversial on-court incident with Caitlin Clark. The clash occurred during the Indiana Fever’s 93-58 rout of the Chicago Sky on May 17, 2025, when Clark, the Fever’s star guard, committed a flagrant foul by shoving Reese to the ground during a layup attempt. The incident, widely debated as a “vicious” move, has reignited discussions about race, physicality, and rivalries in the WNBA.
Staley, a three-time NCAA champion and former WNBA star, addressed the incident on *The Breakfast Club*, emphasizing the need to shield Reese from unfair scrutiny. “Angel’s a competitor, not a villain,” Staley said. “This is basketball—physicality happens. But the narrative around Black players gets twisted. We’ve got to stand up for her.” Her comments come amid reports of racist fan remarks targeting Reese, prompting the WNBA to investigate allegations of hate speech unrelated to the foul.
The Clark-Reese rivalry, born during the 2023 NCAA Championship when Reese’s LSU defeated Clark’s Iowa, has captivated fans but also drawn divisive commentary. Staley, while praising both players’ contributions to the game’s growth, urged fans to focus on competition, not controversy. “Caitlin and Angel have moved on. Why can’t we? It’s a sport—treat it like one,” she said, noting the Fever-Sky matchup drew record viewership.
Staley’s call to action has sparked both support and backlash. Some praise her for addressing racial biases in sports media, while others argue it inflames tensions. As the WNBA navigates its rising popularity, Staley’s campaign underscores the need for unity and respect in a league under intense scrutiny.
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